FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION OF HIRSHABELLE STATE
SOMALIA FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROJECT (S-FSRP)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)
Individual Selection of Consultant
Country: Federal Government of Somalia
Project ID No. P177816
Name of the Project: Somalia Food Systems Resilience Project (S-FSRP)
Consulting Service: Project Irrigation Engineer
Individual/Firm: Individual
Duty Station: Jowhar
Deadline: June 25, 2026
Ref No. SO-MOAI-HSS-474994-CS-INDV
1. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
The Somalia Food Systems Resilience Program (S-FSRP) is part of a regional World Bank-funded initiative designed to address the structural causes of food insecurity and strengthen resilience to climate shocks, crises, and conflicts. Through a Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA), the program supports the revitalization of agricultural and livestock research institutions, seed systems, extension services, water resources, and rangeland management. It also promotes climate-smart agricultural practices, strengthens animal health services, improves access to domestic and regional markets, and supports the development of policies and institutions that enhance food systems resilience across Somalia.
The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase preparedness against food insecurity and improve the resilience of food systems in targeted areas of Somalia. Progress toward this objective is measured through key indicators, including the reduction of food-insecure populations, adoption of climate-smart agricultural innovations, expansion of land under sustainable landscape management, increased agricultural production marketed domestically and regionally, and the adoption of agriculture and food systems resilience policies. All project indicators are disaggregated by gender and age to ensure inclusive and equitable development outcomes.
In Hirshabelle State, the project is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry, and Range. The program is organized around five components: rebuilding resilient agricultural production capacity, sustainable natural resource management, market access and enterprise development, policy and institutional strengthening, and project coordination and management. To ensure effective implementation, the state has established a multi-sectoral Project Implementation Unit (PIU) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, comprising key technical and operational staff, including a State Project Coordinator, Finance Management Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Safeguards Specialist, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, and sector-specific agricultural and livestock experts. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Hirshabelle State is now seeking to recruitment of a Project Irrigation Engineer.
2) Responsibilities: Key responsibility of the Project Irrigation Engineer are:-
- Review and provide quality assurance for feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs, and technical specifications for canal rehabilitation, construction, and river embankment projects.
- Ensure all irrigation infrastructure designs comply with World Bank requirements, national regulations, engineering standards, and quality assurance guidelines. Provide technical support to State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs) during the procurement of irrigation and water infrastructure works. Oversee and verify engineering feasibility studies, surveys, and detailed designs prepared by consultants and contractors. Support the preparation and review of technical drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, bidding documents, and contractor evaluation criteria.
- Monitor the implementation of irrigation and related infrastructure works to ensure adherence to approved designs, specifications, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
- Develop and implement tools, systems, and procedures for monitoring physical progress, quality control, and financial performance of construction contracts.
- Assist SPIUs in preparing, implementing, and updating Contract Management Plans for irrigation infrastructure projects.
- Provide technical guidance on the assessment and processing of contract variations, claims, and extensions of time related to construction works.
- Conduct regular site inspections and provide recommendations to address technical challenges, risks, and implementation bottlenecks.
- Facilitate consultations with beneficiary communities and stakeholders to ensure infrastructure investments respond to local needs and priorities.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards, including labor management procedures, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) risk mitigation measures, and other project safeguard requirements.
- Monitor and enforce occupational health and safety standards at project sites, ensuring timely reporting and resolution of incidents and non-compliance issues.
- Mentor, coach, and strengthen the technical capacity of SPIU engineers and other project staff involved in irrigation development and management.
- Support the establishment and strengthening of community-based operation and maintenance committees to promote the sustainability of completed infrastructure investments.
- Maintain and regularly update a database of qualified contractors, consultants, and service providers specializing in irrigation and water infrastructure works.
- Prepare technical reports, progress updates, site visit reports, and project documentation to support monitoring, evaluation, communication, and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Ensure proper documentation and visibility of project achievements in line with government and donor branding and communication requirements.
3) Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Construction, or Irrigation Engineering. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in planning, design, and supervision of infrastructure projects, including at least 6 years in irrigation, canal rehabilitation, or related water infrastructure works.
- Professional Registration: Registered with a recognized professional engineering body.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in AutoCAD, hydraulic modeling software, GIS applications, and construction contract management.
- Safeguards Experience: Demonstrated experience in integrating environmental and social safeguards, including GBV risk mitigation and labor management measures.
- Capacity Building: Experience in training, mentoring, and supporting engineers and community stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to facilitate community consultations and participatory planning processes.
- Communication Skills: Strong communication, negotiation, and technical report-writing skills.
- Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of Somali is an asset.
- Donor-Funded Projects: Familiarity with World Bank procurement regulations, Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs), or similar donor-funded project requirements.
3. REPORTING
The Project Irrigation Engineer will report to the State Project Coordinator.
4. TIMING Duration of Assignment:
The assignment is initially for 1 year period renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigations; Hirshabelle State now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide the following (i) Curriculum Vitae (CV) with 3 reference persons; (ii) copies of certificates of academic qualifications; and (iii) cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services. The position will be based in Jowhar, Hirshabelle State, with frequent travel to project sites across the state’s districts.
5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.
Interested Consultants may obtain further information (in person or by e-mail) at the address below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday except for public holidays.
Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered to the address below (in person or by e-mail) marked with the subject title of the position on or before 25th June 2026.
Attention to: Procurement office
FSRP State PIU Office
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigations; Hirshabelle State
Jowhar, Somalia
E-mail: procurement.fsrp@moa.hs.so & Copied to: ahmed.xusein@hotmail.com
